Once approved for Ozempic treatment, you’ll receive a 13-week (approximately 3 months) prescription. You can expect weekly emails to help keep you on track and offer extra support, but it’s normal to have questions about the dosing process or what the first few months will look like after starting Ozempic. Here is a detailed breakdown of your first 13 weeks to refer back to as needed, along with some other helpful information about Ozempic.
Note: The information shared below is the standard dosing schedule for Ozempic. Your dose may or may not increase at the same rate depending on the presence of side effects, efficacy of the medication, or your healthcare practitioner has recommended that you remain at the same dose.
Your first Ozempic pen: Weeks 1-6
Your initial treatment package includes one Ozempic pen which contains enough medication for your first 6 weeks. Your remaining pens will be shipped automatically as needed to ensure your medication remains safe, viable and ready for use.
Weeks 1-4
You should take Ozempic once per week, on the same day, at roughly the same time. You’ll begin your treatment with a dose of 0.25mg and will continue at this dose for another 3 weeks. You’ll inject each weekly dose using your pen, which is pre-loaded and ready for use. The best places to inject your medication are on the top of the thigh, the front of the abdomen, or the upper arm.
It’s normal to experience some short-term side effects during the first few weeks of treatment or immediately following a dose increase, but these symptoms should resolve as your body adjusts to the medication. You can read more about Ozempic side effects here.
We recommend keeping track of your injections and doses each week by recording them in your calendar or weekly planner.
Weeks 5-6
At week 5, you’ll increase to 0.5mg. Even though your dose is increasing, you’ll keep using your current pen. To increase the dose dispensed by your pen, turn the dose selector until the dose counter displays 0.5mg and inject the medication as normal. You’ll take the same 0.5mg dose during week 6 — this will be the last dose you take using your first pen.
If you’re still experiencing any side effects, you should not increase your dose and reach out to your practitioner via secure chat instead.
Your second Ozempic pen: Weeks 7-9
Your second pen will be sent to you before you start week 7 so it’s ready for use. This pen will last you 3 weeks.
Weeks 7-8
Unless directed otherwise by your healthcare practitioner, your dose will remain at 0.5mg for weeks 7 and 8. You should continue administering your medication on the same day at roughly the same time.
Week 9
At week 9, you’ll increase your dose to 1mg if necessary. You’ll do this by administering two 0.5mg injections in immediate succession. Don’t worry, we’ll send you an email reminder when it’s time to increase your dose!
A reminder that you should not increase your dose if any of the following are true:
- You are still having side effects. This suggests your body needs more time to adjust to the current dose.
- You are losing 1-2 pounds per week. This indicates the current dose is still effective.
- You are losing more than 2 pounds per week. This indicates the current dose might be too high.
- You are noticing a decrease in your appetite, less cravings, and feeling full sooner.
Learn more about factors to consider when increasing your Ozempic dose.
Your third Ozempic pen: Weeks 10-13
Your third Ozempic pen will arrive before you start week 10 and will last the remaining 4 weeks of your prescription until your first renewal.
You’ll continue to maintain a dose of 1mg for these 4 weeks. During week 11, you’ll be prompted to complete a renewal to allow enough time to receive your next pen.
An important reminder that if you experience severe side effects or require immediate support at any point during your treatment, please seek in-person care or visit your closest emergency department.
Continuing Ozempic treatment: Weeks 14+
In order to continue with treatment past week 13, you’ll need to do 3 things:
- Complete your labs: If you haven’t already, download your lab requisition form and complete the tests at a local lab. Your labs must be complete before your renewal.
- Submit your renewal: Complete a short questionnaire to help your practitioner assess how your treatment journey is going.
- Chat with your practitioner: Your practitioner will reach out to confirm you want to continue treatment and discuss any adjustments if needed.
When your renewal is approved, you’ll be charged a $40 renewal fee and your new prescription will be filled by our pharmacy. Then, we’ll automatically ship your pens each month for the duration of your prescription.
Reminder: How to store Ozempic
To remain stable and effective, the medication in your pen must remain between 2 to 30°C. Your medication is shipped to you in temperature-controlled packaging, but once you receive it we recommend storing your pen in the fridge — though it’s not strictly necessary if the temperature in your home does not exceed this range. If stored within the given range, the medication will be stable for up to 56 days.
The liquid in your pen should be clear at all times. You can confirm this by viewing the medication through a window on the side of the pen. If the liquid isn't clear or you notice anything floating in it, do not take the medication as it may be spoiled.
If you have any issues or concerns about your medication, book a call with a Felix pharmacist.
This information does not replace medical advice. Any questions you have about your treatment are best discussed directly with your healthcare practitioner.
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